Titans want Finnegan in middle of action

Cornerback Cortland Finnegan worked in the slot on Tuesday, with cornerbacks Alterraun Verner and Jason McCourty lined up on the outside. It’s part of new Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray’s plan.

“I think that is why Cortland is excited,” Coach Mike Munchak said. “He realizes we are going to use him in a lot of ways that maybe he hasn’t been used in a while to take advantage of his skills. He is a tough kid. He can rush the passer very well. There’s a lot of things he can do. Jerry plans to use him in a lot of ways and we’ll see how that goes.”

Finnegan, headed into sixth NFL season, has lined up primarily on the outside, and it’s where he will be with the first team defense. When an extra defensive back comes on the field, however, it looks like Finnegan’s spot could be in the slot.

Finnegan had two interceptions last season after getting five in each of the previous two seasons.

Safety Chris Hope said on third down last year offenses got most of their conversions going at the interior of the defense, not on the outside or over the top. He thinks Finnegan could change that by being inside.

“I think Coach Gray is trying to put our best players in a position to make plays,” Hope said. “When you get a guy like Cortland who can blitz off the end, he can tackle and he can cover. You put a guy like that on the inside, it is an opportunity to make more plays.”